BANDUNG, unpas.ac.id – Another proud achievement was achieved by Pasundan University students. This time it was from the martial arts branch of Pencak Silat under the Student Sports Coordinator Institute (Lembaga Kemahasiswaan Koordinator Olahraga Mahasiswa, KOM).
Zaskha Sasmita, the 2019-grade best student of Department of Technical Information, got winning the 3rd place of Seni Tunggal Baku IPSI University Category at the Live Virtual Competition of National Pencak Silat Competition. The event was held by DKI Jakarta Indonesian Pencak Silat Association (Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia, IPSI), in collaboration with Department of Youth and Sports (Dinas Pemuda dan Olahraga, Dispora) and central IPSI.
This accomplishment became Zaskha’s most priding achievement. Since he has already been training for about a month, he finally got his first achievement at Pencak Silat Competition. Beside getting trained with the coach, he also had himself trained at home.
“I started to enjoy Pencak Silat since I was in Senior High School. This is my first winning. Though it was held virtually, I still prepared it very carefully,” he said, on Wednesday (June 9th, 2021).
Although there are some problems of networks, Zaskha admitted that it did not dampen his intention and enthusiasm to demonstrate the movement to the fullest. The support from the coach and his colleagues in the Unpas Pencak Silat KOM further strengthened his determination to become a champion.
It was proved that he himself can successfully get 428 points, assessed based on elements of wiraga, wirama and wirasa (lit. sense of being a hero). He eliminated other participants and performed the art of Pencak Silat Tunggal Baku IPSI consisting of empty-handed and armed stance.
“Wiraga requires an exact and based-on-rule movement, speed and power should also be paid attention to. Wirama is associated to the tempo; it should be allowed to be neither too fast nor slow, because the time must fit within 3 minutes. Meanwhile, wirasa focuses on the feeling when doing the movement being performed, especially the expression,” explained Zaskha.
In the midst of Covid-19 pandemic, Zaskha wants to be able to be productive and create many works. Especially, when he has KOM as supporter for its outstanding athletes, supported by proper provision of accommodation and facilities.
“Unpas KOM makes me, who learns Pencak Silat from another community/ institution, adapt quicker. This becomes my ambition to keep improving myself skill,” he continued.
Furthermore, Zaskha hope that he could contribute more on medals to develop this sport and become the pride of Unpas. He dreams of being a national athlete to be Indonesian representative at the prestigious sports event.
“I hope I could be a national athlete and become Indonesian representative in Sea Games or Asean Games. Even more, if Pencak Silat is already included in Olympics, I dream to compete there,” he ended as he wishes for the best. (Reta Amaliyah S)*